Differing forecasts make it imperative to be tyre safe for all conditions

29 January 2020

Story from TyreSafe.

UK charity TyreSafe, states that preparation is key and by carrying out routine checks prior to setting off will help to reduce a driver’s chance of being involved in a tyre-related incident.

• All tyres should have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm to remain legal and avoid a possible fine of £2500 and three penalty points on your licence - per tyre. The penalty is severe as tread depth is essential to your road safety as the grooves remove water from between the road surface and your tyre so your vehicle can brake, steer and accelerate properly. Roadworthy tyres should clear a bucket of water from the road every seven seconds.
• Driving in the rain with tyres below the legal tread depth puts you at an increased risk of experiencing the particularly hazardous and frightening phenomenon of aquaplaning. Aquaplaning occurs where water builds up between the tyre and road to such as degree that the vehicle is no longer in contact with the road, leaving you unable to brake or steer.
• Ensuring your tyres are at the correct pressure also helps you maintain control of your vehicle. The correct pressure is recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer and can typically be found in the handbook, door sill or fuel filler cap. You should be aware it is now commonplace to have various settings recommended, not just for the weight being carried but also of the different wheel and tyre combinations available. For example, some cars can have as many as four or five different wheel and tyre options, so to ensure you are using the correct pressure setting, check your tyre’s size on its sidewall before referencing the air pressure chart.
• A tyre’s overall condition is also critically important. No tyre is made with lumps, bumps or cuts, so if you see any of these as you check each tyre, you should have them investigated by a tyre professional.

For more details on tyre safety please click here.